BWW Reviews: Jim Caruso's CAST PARTY - A Joyous Celebration of Las Vegas Talent

Among the things that make the Smith Center for the Arts such a wonderful addition to Las Vegas is the fact that to see a Broadway show or any world-class entertainment, you don't have to walk through a casino. Not that I have anything against casinos, but the noise level in the Smith Center is appropriate and the performing spaces are just about perfect. There's the main stage Reynolds Hall seating 2,000 people that serves as the local home for Broadway touring companies, grand music and talks by special guests like Stephen Sondheim. Cabaret Jazz is a kind of supper club space, with small tables for four, food and drink to order and an "up close and personal" small stage. It accommodates 258 people. There's also Troesh Studio Theater. A rehearsal space that fits 250 people, the variety of offerings here include music, dance and theater. Finally,, there's the 2-acre Symphony Park and outdoor performance space.

All of this is wrapped up in the most beautiful art deco building this side of the Radio City Music Hall.

On June 19, the attraction in Cabaret Jazz was Jim Caruso's Cast Party, with Billy Stritch on the piano. It is not only a fun way to pass a few hours, but it is the perfect showcase for all the first-rate talent in Las Vegas.

About to celebrate it's 10th anniversary in New York, the show is an open-mic affair during which just about nay performer who chooses to be there will be on the stage. This time, that included so many audience favorites.

After Caruso and Stritch did solo numbers - including Caruso's (mercifully) brief impression of Edith Piaf - they began to bring up the talent. Clint Holmes led off with "Angel Eyes." He was followed by the group Dangerous Curves, Tina Walsh.

Keith Thompson, now serving as orchestra leader of at Paris Las Vegas, and Philip Fortenberry. The latter did his very special version of "Chopsticks." As it was his hands that played the piano for Michael Douglas' Liberace in the HBO film "Behind the Candelabra" it was an extra treat.

Jean Brie performed and Ron Smith sang a smashing "Come Back To Me." (Remember John Cullum?)

Erich Bergen, late of the Las Vegas production of "Jersey Boys" and here again as Billy Crocker in the "Anything Goes" road company, was welcomed with a huge round of applause. After explaining how impressed he was to be able to hear what was happening onstage while he was in the men's room, Bergin sang a wonderful version of "I Cried For You."
The fabulous "Phat Pack" dropped in and sang Keith Thompson's very funny and very true "Men of A Certain Age." (How can you not laugh when they explain that "Viagra and Cialis do wonders for the flaccid phallus.?)

Isabella added opera to the evening's menu, hitting F above high C. Las Vegas favorite Frankie Moreno, who headlines at the Stratosphere, and who won the BroadwayWorld award for Best Concert (Long Run) this year, sang "Some Kind of Love."

Bill Fayne and Tara Palsha were up next with Kander and Ebb. She stars in "Vegas! The Show."They were followed by Travis Cloer, an alternating Frankie Valli in "Jersey Boys," did John Mayer's "I'm Gonna Find Another You."and Ann Martinez entertained with music from "Thoroughly Modern Millie."

Eric Jordan Young, two-time winner of the BroadwayWorld Best of Las Vegas award for best lead in a show ("Vegas! The Show") did a stunning rendition of the Sammy Davis, Jr. classic, "I've Gotta Be Me." The marvelous vocal harmonies of Fifth Avenue followed him with There Will Never Be Another You."

The evening ended with Caruso and Stritch performing Kay Thompson's arrangement of "How Deep Is the Ocean?"

The evening ended late, but no one complained. Sitting there, we were all struck anew with the wealth of sheer talent we have in Las Vegas. And, everyone seemed to be saying they'll be back October 9 when Carsuo's "Cast Party" comes back.

For information about the Smith Center for the Arts and for event tickets, please visit www.thesmithcenter.com

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